Our now 10 year old, Odhrán was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just over three years ago, a moment that took all of us by complete surprise. Since then, life has been a daily balancing act of hypos, hypers, and ketones—each day bringing its own set of challenges.

Throughout it all, the incredible team at the Ulster Hospital has been a constant source of support. Their expertise, care, and compassion have been truly invaluable, and they continue to be a lifeline for Odhrán and for our whole family.

This year, we’re coming together to fundraise for Paeds in a Pod through a relay team at the Belfast Marathon in May—led by Declan, Nuala, Sean, Finn, and Marc—while Clare is bravely taking on both the full Belfast Marathon and the Dublin Marathon.

Paeds in a Pod is a wonderful paediatric group made up of service users and staff who organise outings, treats, and special experiences for children in the Paediatric Unit. Their aim is simple but powerful: to make a child’s time in hospital a little brighter, and to support young people and their families when they need it most.

Any support—big or small—means the world to us.

Thank you so much.